GWM TANK 300 Diesel Takes on AXCR 2026
On August 9, the 2026 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR 2026) officially got underway. GWM entered two TANK 300 Diesel race cars in the event, one of the most demanding off-road rallies in Asia.
Founded in 1996 and sanctioned by the FIA, AXCR has grown into one of Asia’s premier cross-country rally events. Renowned for its punishing combination of tropical rainforests, muddy mountain trails, high-speed gravel sections, and unpredictable weather conditions, the rally is often referred to by competitors as the “Dakar of Asia.”
The 2026 edition remains in Thailand, where teams must endure intense heat, high humidity, and long-distance stages. The event pushes every aspect of a rally program to its limits, testing vehicle durability, powertrain consistency, suspension performance, and team coordination.
GWM fielded two TANK 300 race vehicles equipped with 2.4-liter diesel engines, both piloted by top Thai drivers.
Covering more than 2,000 kilometers, the rally follows a demanding route across Thailand, starting in Pattaya and finishing in Phitsanulok on August 15.
The participation reflects GWM’s broader ambition: evolving from one of global fastest-growing automotive brands into a serious contender in international motorsport. AXCR 2026 serves as a real-world proving ground for GWM’s vehicle platforms and durability technologies. Insights and data gathered under race conditions will be fed directly into future product development, helping enhance performance, durability, reliability, and driver confidence across GWM’s production vehicles.
By competing in one of the world’s toughest off-road rallies, GWM aims to demonstrate the technological capabilities, product quality, and reliability of Chinese automotive brands while further strengthening its global brand presence.
From the Taklimakan Rally in China to FIA-sanctioned international competitions, GWM has consistently demonstrated that motorsport is far more than a branding exercise. It is a critical platform for technology validation and product development. Experience gained in extreme racing environments continues to shape the engineering of mass-production vehicles, bringing the benefits of proven technologies to customers worldwide.
From the deserts and Gobi landscapes of Xinjiang to the tropical jungles of Southeast Asia, GWM is telling the story of Chinese automotive innovation through the universal language of motorsport.